SOS Africa Charity News >

Eight years ago a small group of friends from Swansea University joined together to take on the 2005 Cardiff Half Marathon to raise funds for SOS Africa; at that point the charity had been in operation for 2 years and funded the education of 3 children. Little did we know that this event would fast become the charity’s most successful annual fundraiser.

Eight years on, last Sunday an enthusiastic team of 50 runners, from four different universities (usually sporting adversaries but now united), many with little or no running experience, tackled the gruelling 13.1 mile course to raise funds for SOS Africa’s 18 children and Aftercare Centre Project.

Whilst it was a formidable challenge for all involved, there are some truly inspirational stories which need to be told…

For Aimee Pulis, this year’s race represented another positive step towards recovery after being involved in a horrific car crash in 2006 which forced her to relearn how to talk, read and write. Aimee’s bravery and determination really is an example to us all, and we would like to congratulate her on completing her second half marathon for SOS Africa and wish her well for the future.

For Swansea residents, William Pritchard needs no introduction. Despite suffering from cerebral palsy, the 2012 race represents Will’s 3rd consecutive Cardiff Half Marathon for SOS Africa, during which he has raised more than £1000 for our charity. Will is often seen training on the Swansea seafront and has the admiration of much of the community. Will hopes to compete in the 2013 London Marathon, and those that know him well would not doubt his determination to complete it.

A few years ago, David Crowcombe suffered from a heart condition which forced him into early retirement. Rather than see this as a setback, Dave saw this as an opportunity to get fit and healthy and this year’s race also represented his 3rd consecutive half marathon for our charity.

During the race itself we were all concerned to hear that, 17 year old Gower College student Chloe Lane had twisted her ankle at the 7 mile marker and was receiving treatment. Unperturbed by this setback, Chloe declined the ambulance’s offer of a lift to the finish line and carried on to complete the race.

In addition to these inspirational stories, we would also like to commend all the runners for the incredible amounts of funds already raised. This year’s leading fundraiser, Rachel Evans has already raised an amazing £555; almost enough to singlehandedly fund the education and care of an SOS Africa child! We would also like to recognise the refreshing fundraising approach taken by Jake Moores; in the lead up to the event Jake produced his very own fundraising video (see below) to appeal to his sponsors.

In just over a week’s time, SOS Africa will be holding a special prize draw. Those competitors who have raised £250 or more will have their names placed into a draw, the winner of which will win two tickets to South Africa to meet the SOS Africa Children. After meeting all this year’s runners and seeing how much effort they have put into the event, it is a great pity that we cannot take them all to South Africa to show them how much of a difference their hard work will make.

We would like to say a big thank you to all this year’s 2012 Cardiff Half Marathon Team for their commitment to our cause and congratulate them for all the personal hurdles they have overcome in order to help the SOS Africa children. We would also like to thank Emma, John, Lottie, Kelly, Tania and all of those involved in the organisation of the event for making it possible.

We hope to see you all again next year!

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